§ 63-11-203 — Practice of psychologist

(a) (1) "Practice of psychologist" means the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods and procedures for the purpose of assessing, preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive or undesired behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health and mental health. (2) (A) "Practice of psychologist" includes, but is not limited to: (i) Psychological testing and the evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes and neuropsychological functioning; (ii) Counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback and behavior analysis and therapy; (iii) Psychological diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and nervous disorders or disabilities, alcoholism and substance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury or disability; (iv) Case management and utilization review of psychological services; (v) Psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation and consultation; (vi) Forensic evaluation; provided, that a person licensed under this chapter performing forensic evaluation is considered to be acting within their lawful scope of practice and the practice of forensic evaluation is not exclusive to individuals licensed under this chapter; (vii) Parent coordination; provided, that a person licensed under this chapter performing parent coordination is considered to be acting within their lawful scope of practice and the practice of parent coordination is not exclusive to individuals licensed under this chapter; and (viii) Telepsychology, which means the practice of psychology via electronic communications technology by persons licensed under this chapter. (B) Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups and the public. (3) "Practice of psychologist" is construed within the meaning of this definition without regard to whether payment is received for services rendered. (b) A person represents that person to be a psychologist if that person uses any title or description of services incorporating the words "psychology," "psychological" or "psychologist," if such person possesses expert qualification in any area of psychology or if that person offers to the public or renders to individuals or to groups of individuals services defined as the practice of psychology in this chapter.

Legislative History

Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 809, s 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1953, ch. 169, § 2 (Williams, § 7082.2); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 63-1107; Acts 1992, ch. 991, § 1.